CLARK’s S25XE Crossover forklifts combine electric efficiency with internal combustion-style performance for demanding industrial sites.
For many materials handling operators, the case for electric equipment is growing stronger as fuel prices, emissions targets, maintenance costs and workplace conditions push businesses to reassess diesel and LPG forklifts.
Yet for industrial sites, the transition has not always been simple. Operators using forklifts outdoors, on uneven surfaces or across mixed environments have been cautious about moving away from internal combustion models, particularly where speed, ground clearance and lift performance remain critical.
Clark Equipment says its CLARK S25XE Series Crossover forklifts have been developed to address that challenge.
“The Crossover concept is quite simple: going electric should not require a compromise on performance,” says David Hammond, General Manager, Materials Handling, Clark Equipment.
David says the CLARK S25XE Series represents a new category of industrial truck, designed to deliver the operating characteristics businesses expect from internal combustion equipment while incorporating the benefits of lithium-ion electric power.
“The CLARK S25XE Series Crossover forklifts represent a new class of industrial truck that delivers the performance characteristics operators expect from an internal combustion forklift, such as ground clearance, top speed, lift capability, physical size, and seating position, while combining the efficiency, low emissions, and reduced operating costs of modern lithium-ion electric technology,” says David.
“In essence, the S25XE Series bridges the gap between IC and electric, enabling businesses to transition to electric power without changing how or where they operate.”
According to David, the range was developed in response to a clear gap in the market. While electric forklifts are well established in warehouse environments, fewer models have been able to meet the requirements of industrial operators that have traditionally relied on diesel or LPG trucks.
David says travel speed, gradeability and ground clearance are often deciding factors for operators considering electric alternatives. In applications where forklifts move between indoor and outdoor areas, operate in yards or handle heavy loads over uneven ground, these metrics can determine whether a fleet change is practical.
“The CLARK S25XE Series directly addresses this gap, delivering IC-like performance in an electric package and making electrification genuinely viable for demanding, real-world industrial environments,” he says.
Clark Equipment’s history in internal combustion forklifts helped shape the Crossover range. David says customers wanted equipment that could support stronger environmental outcomes without forcing changes to core operations.
“CLARK’s strong reputation in the IC forklift market has been fundamental to the development of the Crossover range,” says David. “Our ‘Built to Last’ philosophy and customer-led approach meant we listened closely to our industrial customers who wanted stronger environmental credentials, but were concerned that performance might be compromised.”
From an operating perspective, the shift from diesel to lithium-ion changes several elements of daily forklift use. The S25XE Series delivers instant torque and responsive acceleration, while removing engine lag and drivetrain losses associated with gearboxes and torque converters.
David says operators also benefit from lower noise, zero exhaust emissions, reduced vibration and an improved working environment.
“Importantly, the drivability and operating feel closely mirror an IC forklift, but without LPG cylinder handling, diesel refuelling, fumes, or noise,” he says. “Feedback from customers, particularly those operating near offices or mixed environments, has been very positive.”
Fuel costs are also playing a larger role in equipment decisions. David says electric forklifts are not new to Clark Equipment, but the current operating environment has changed the way businesses view their fleets.
“While sustainability goals, ESG requirements, and emissions reduction targets have driven much of the EV transition, fuel price volatility and supply uncertainty have significantly accelerated adoption,” says David. “Diesel costs now represent not just a higher operating expense, but a business risk.”
Lithium-ion technology is also changing the economics of electric forklifts. Compared with lead-acid batteries, lithium-ion supports opportunity charging, has a longer service life, removes the need for watering or daily battery maintenance, and provides consistent power output across a shift.
“Lithium-ion technology has fundamentally changed the economics and practicality of electric forklifts,” David says.
The S25XE Series has been positioned for applications traditionally served by internal combustion forklifts, including manufacturing, industrial operations, construction supplies, timber, building materials and mixed indoor and outdoor environments.
“The CLARK S25XE Series is suited to virtually any application traditionally served by an IC forklift,” he says. “These trucks feature strong dust and water ingress protection, allowing confident outdoor use in all weather conditions.”
David says the range is also suited to Australian operating conditions, including heat, dust, uneven surfaces and sites where operators want to replace LPG or diesel without changing the application.
Early customer feedback has focused on reduced maintenance, smoother transitions and improved uptime. David says one Melbourne rental customer moved from 26 internal combustion forklifts to Crossover units.
“One particularly telling example came from our own service team,” he says. “After transitioning a Melbourne rental customer with 26 IC forklifts to Crossover units, the lead mechanic personally thanked us. The S25XE Series delivered higher uptime while significantly reducing maintenance demand, even under intensive use.”
David says total cost of ownership is becoming clearer as operators gather more real-world data. Energy savings are part of the equation, but maintenance and uptime are just as important.
“The obvious factor here is the energy cost savings from switching to electricity, delivering lower cost per hour of operation compared to diesel/LPG,” he says.
Charging infrastructure is another area where David says customer concerns can be overstated. The S25XE Series includes on-board charging as standard, with external fast charging available for opportunity charging.
“Charging infrastructure is far less complex than many expect,” says David. “Most sites already have the groundwork in place.”
For larger fleets, Clark Equipment supports customers with site assessments, telemetry analysis and trial programs to understand usage profiles before a transition is made.
As the market continues to evolve, David expects lithium-ion electric forklifts to take a growing share of Australian applications, supported by sustainability pressures, fuel costs and technology improvements.
“The future is not about immediate replacement, it’s about giving businesses credible, high-performance alternatives, and that is exactly where the CLARK S25XE Series plays a key role,” he says.
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